Edge Pressures Obtained Using FEM and Half-Space: A Study of Truncated Contact Ellipses

In rolling or gear contacts, truncation of the contact ellipse can occur, for example, when an undercut extends into area. For elastic calculation approach, edge constitutes a mathematical singularity, which is revealed by theoretically infinitely high pressure peak. However, elastic–plastic material behavior taken account, peak limited local hardening and yielding material, leading to plastic deformations. As result, those calculations are rather challenging results partly unexpected due discontinuity contained in geometry. Nevertheless, authors’ knowledge, hardly any published studies exist on simulations truncated ellipses. Therefore, numerical study concerning rigid ball with plane presented. Due plane, quarter theoretical Hertzian cut off. The aim investigate influence angle distribution deformation at edge. use FEM shows that has significant effect characteristics contact. obtained using then used as reference comparison semi-analytical method (SAM). It shown SAM, based half-space, provides comparable only very small angles.